Scotland considers annual laser scan to monitor health of forest and peatlands

Airborne lidar' survey would generate 3D map of the country and provide high-quality information on its ecosystems

Scotland may conduct an annual airborne laser scan of the country's landscapes to monitor the health of its forest, peatlands and natural ecosystems, the Guardian can reveal.

The Scottish government is weighing up the benefits of annual 3D imaging flights to provide regular data on nature restoration across the temperate rainforests of the west coast to the peaks of the Cairngorms, akin to an annual CT scan for biodiversity.